Given the accelerated pace of the modern world, the continued success of fast food establishments should come as no surprise. The burger bar market alone grew by 67% between 1996 and 2001 with McDonald's still the most popular choice. However, with British sales of KFC in 2001 for the first time surpassing those of Burger King, a major shake-up of the industry is occurring which could have exciting, new developments.

Since 1995, Mintel has been monitoring changes in the chicken and burger bar markets and, in particular, notes that expenditure in the combined market was worth over £2.5 billion in 2001. Despite setbacks caused by the foot-and-mouth outbreak, consumer confidence in burger bars is still strong. Health concerns and improvements in the industry are making chicken an ever more popular choice. Expansion is continuing in both sectors with fierce competition between the top three names.